NEWSLETTER: October 2017

8.Nov.17
Well this is just over a week late (in my mind). However since most of you are out of Africa, you are probably to high on the sugary treats from last Tuesday and possibly a little disoriented from the recent time change. So perhaps you didn't notice my tardiness. Although, I think a few of you have some sort of internal clock as you start to text me when I'm late.

MEETINGS
The month started off with a solid week of meetings. We had Short Term Forum from 1-7 October. On one day our group was as follows (by passport): 5 Americans, 4 Canadians, 3 Brits, 1 Hong Kong, 1 New Zealand, 1 Kenyan, 1 Ugandan, 1 Nigerian, 1 Swiss, and 1 Brazilian. Some of us are actively serving in Africa and the others represent different areas around the world that serve to mobilize people to come to Africa. Everyone there is involved in AIM's short term program. Other than the variety of accents, you wouldn't have know that most of us had never met and that we were so diverse. We were blessed with many good discussions, presentations, and fellowship throughout the week. All of this was a massive answer to so many prayers. [Note the picture below from when I presented about Central Region.]

THOUGHTS
This has also been a very reflective month. I've spent a lot of time processing the events of two years ago. If you joined me in this journey since then, you can get a glimpse of that time by reading a bit about what I call Iceberg Missionsand how plans change. I can't say for sure what led me to reprocess some of these events. But it did surprise me. I think too often we forget how specific events actually change us and have a lasting effects. I was reminded of that bythis article from Sojourners Blog and when reading it, apparently I was experiencing #3. So all of this has brought some lonely and very challenging days. However, a good friend reminded me that loneliness isn't just for expats, everyone has times of loneliness. But if you don't, then let me know how you prevent that!!

Another article that was shared from a colleague when she sent the last one, discusses how not to say the wrong thing. I highly suggest you read it, especially if you know someone that is grieving or afflicted by a difficult situation. 

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LEFT: If you look closely, you can see me standing at the front. This is when I presented at Short Term Forum.
RIGHT: Mummies, monsters, ghosts, and spider cookies from last week.

GOODIES Do know that October ended sweetly. The 31st was full of goodies....literally. That day I received an email from someone that is coming to visit our office later this month. The subject line of that email was "goodies"!! She was simply offering to bring me a treat. It was a lovely surprise and very generous of her to offer. I was also invited to a little gathering that evening of some families in the area. The host made sure there was both food for the meal and treats at the end that I could enjoy. It always warms my heart when families take me in whether it is for a few hours or a few years. There are some other good things...but really the planning just started in the last few days of October. However, if all goes as planned (ha!) then it should give me something to write about next time. But the anticipation and planning has sure been enjoyable. With love and gratitude for all you do for me, Katherine

Prayer requests:  Many thanks for a successful week of meetings.....from safe travel before and after to the discussions...it was a wonderful time together. Thanks for new friends to fill in the gaps while other friends are away Pray for the ability to enjoy the moments with others Pray for transitions....it seems this is a season of leaving as the list of friends leaving Uganda seems to keep growing Pray for patience and openness in the work place....recently I find myself in frustrating ongoing discussions and I just want a decision to be made Pray for courage to engage across the culture barriers Pray for ministry opportunities.....I've been wondering what other ways I can engage here outside of the office

NEWSLETTER: September 2017

And another month flies by...

In a matter of hours (minutes for me) it will be October.
October!!
How can that be? Wasn't I just traveling the midwest in America and celebrating birthdays in February? Or at the least I just came back to Uganda but even that was five months ago. It's making me realize how ordinary life is right now. Maybe that's a good thing. But are you aware of the "normalcy" of my life. Sure that normal happens in Uganda and has it's differences. But there are a number of similarities too and it's those similarities that make it hard to write sometimes. Because everything just starts to seem so normal to me.

I can't take much credit for this as reading this post really made me aware of the cause of the struggle to write. I encourage you to read that article. It's not very long. Actually, many of the posts on that site, A Life Overseas, may give you some insight into expat/missionary life.

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LEFT: With a bit of a rainy season upon us, I'm excited to get to use my rain gear.

RIGHT:  I joined a group of ladies from a few countries for a two day retreat.

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LEFT: Hanging out with a friend and her dog. 

RIGHT: We discovered it is possible to watch Bob Ross on youtube and follow along to paint with the added ability to pause for laughing or eating. 

When this ordinary feels so normal, it can be hard to write. And I truly feel like I've let a number of you down by not communicating very often. Please forgive me for this. Know that I'm very thankful for all that you do to support me. I'm thankful for the texts, emails, and especially the prayers. Even when I feel I can communicate, there are some things that are hard to say. For those things, I'll direct you to read this. If you want to hear/read my two cents on any of the topics the author lists, then let me know. I'd be happy to have an open line of communication for some of the difficult things. Above all else, please do know that I'm grateful for how so many have provided in countless ways to make it possible for me to be here and follow God's will for my life. Grace and peace to you and your family, Katherine

Prayer requests Unity and clear communication for Short Term Forum (STF) that is hosted here in Kampala 1-7 October For my time at STF as I continue to plan/coordinate logistics and also that I'm able to glean insight from the sessions Contentment to dominate over comparison Good health through the busy times (and all times, but it feels more important when life gets busy) Thankfulness for time with friends as the revolving door of missionaries seems to rotate faster at times

NEWSLETTER: July/August 2017

Hi. It's me, Katherine. I'm still around. Living in Uganda. 

If I had sent this a month ago.....

Would you believe me if I said I started this newsletter over a month ago? It's true. I did. In late July, I knew what I wanted to write and so I started a few things but then somehow....the business took over and now it is the 31st of August. The subject was going to be "Christmas in July". I had it all worked out. Mid July one of my friends at some visitors and they were gracious to offer some of their luggage space to bring a few things to me. At the end of July, after a few weeks of working from home, I started going back to work at the office. The first day back I walked in and on my desk was a gift of chocolate, dark chocolate. Ironically it arrived the first day that I stayed home and had sat there an entire month. Then, two days later I return for a few more hours at the office and there are five cards on my desk; mail is always very exciting!! So I had this Christmas in July theme to use. Since the subject was going to be "Christmas in July," I thought you might enjoy looking back at this videofrom last year. 

BUSIER
I'm definitely busier these days. The end of July and beginning of August was filled with preparations for our conference earlier this month. Around 100 adults and 50 children descended upon Kampala. The time together was refreshing for so many. For me it was lovely to finally put faces and people to names that I had been emailing and hearing about. A speaker came from the UK and he really invested in the lives of our members. 

Now that conference has finished (other than a few small lingering tasks) it would seem that some of my time would be freed. However, another event is just around the corner. We will host Short Term Forum here in Kampala. This is for those all throughout AIM offices that work with short termers. We will spend a week together to find ways to improve different aspects of the program. Since it is here in Kampala, I will be doing most of the logistics for those that are attending, about 20.

One of our essential leaders in the office has also gone on home assignment this week. Each of us will help to cover while she is away. So this has landed a few extra things on my desk as well. Although, only time will tell how much this will effect me. Some of the things I will take care of could easily be very minimal over the next few months...or I could really feel the added load as some my default to me while she is gone.

TOP PICTURE: Found on google. The words I came across sometime in the last couple months and they really resonated with me. For all the sayings that turn to platitudes, this one actually comforted me.

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Left: Just before Conference, I realized I was working from both sides of my desk.......maybe I was busy. 

Right: Opening session of conference........it was great to finally have (almost) everyone together after so many emails and all the planning.




A quick snapshot from the birthday celebrations.

HEALTHIER I'm also definitely healthier these days. I've been back at the office full time and it is great to be back with others. The first weekend after going back the office was questionable. I even let my mind wander to the possibility of malaria.......whatever it was...passed through in a few days and turned out not to be malaria. For that, I am very thankful. As per usual with me, it is safe to say that I didn't realize how sick I was until I started feeling better. With each step toward health I thought I was great again until I improved even more. It is good that I'm physically healthy again now, especially since this week has been emotionally trying. One friend left for home assignment and two others moved to a different country. I know the plan is for the first friend to return early next year and that is a huge blessing and comfort. The revolving door in missions can often lead to some friends getting out and going in different directions like the couple that moved this week. OLDER I've also officially reached a new year in life. The actual day did happen with some meetings but ended with a nice surprise at home. Since I had been away from home for conference and meetings, one friend gave another friend my spare keys. So I had a few extra decorations at home that weren't there when I left. More celebrations followed the next weekend. A couple great friends treated me to a meal at one of my favorite restaurants and we enjoyed a movie afterwards. Interestingly, we watched the movie at another wonderful friend's place who is not in Uganda. Since she couldn't be here to celebrate, it was kind of fitting that she unofficially hosted. In the middle of that, when I went to the office after conference week, there were five birthday cards waiting for me...and one more showed up today. Through the business, with the blessing of health, and even though I'm older, With love and gratefulness for all your support in each way, Katherine

Prayer Requests: First ones are now old but we can give thanks as they have since happened:  perseverance through the next few busy weeks as we have our regional conference and hand over responsibilities with people coming and going in the office pray for everyone that is coming to conference - fruitful conversations, times of rest, encouragement for all, and safety with countless travels before and after For now... the ability to prioritize: now that I'm healthy and really diving in to personnel matters, there is much I want to accomplish. Some things were on the back burner because of conference and so there's a little catch up to do also. pray for my friend that has just gone on home assignment: that she would not wonder about things here and be able to rest and be present with friends and family over the next few weeks pray for understanding of culture: I'm actually going to a baby shower for a friend from church. I'm both excited and curious as to how it will be compared to my western concept of this event. pray for health in all aspects: physically, emotionally, and spiritually for me to seek our Savior for comfort in the absence of friends and for other earthly friendships to strengthen

NEWSLETTER: June 2017

30 June 2017: Not much new, except health news....

Where to start??? Should I start with June first? It was a typical Thursday morning. I was checking email quite early to see if anyone had read last month's newsletter yet and then.... Just kidding. I'm not going to recap the month like that. It's been a unique month.  I'd say that there are two things that dominate my memory of this month: business and sickness. Interestingly enough, the two are probably related. Because I have been unwell and missed some days working, it makes me feel busy and behind in my tasks. A glance at the office life:  We are having a conference in August for our entire region and I've been helping with that. I'm also still learning about my new role as personnel coordinator. Although, I've had the title for just over a month now, even today something new came up. Earlier this week I was telling a friend that I find it a little easier to manage if I put my conference "hat" on at times and other times put a personnel "hat" on to help me focus. I still absolutely love those that I work with here. It is such a blessing to have people to look forward to interacting with as we all seek to further the Kingdom with our own unique skills. A glance at personal life:  Just a day shy of halfway through the month I went to the airport with a group of friends. However, one of us actually had an itinerary and the rest returned home. The life of a missionary truly has revolving doors around every corner. I had to say see you later to one of my closest and most amazing friends here in Kampala and it was difficult to say the least. She'll be back in January though! I have been blessed to spend time with new people and start some new friendships. It'll be exciting as those new friendships grow. I continue to love my church family here and the group of ladies that first introduced me to that body of believers. I didn't cook much in the states (for various reasons, but usually because amazing roommates cooked already)....so I still feel very accomplished when kitchen adventures are successful. A glance at health:  I've actually been unwell for a little while. Being in the large, capitol city of Kampala, there is ample healthcare available. And there has also been ample friends available to help in so many ways including: the ones that can give me the right look to convince me to go to the doctor, the ones that bring me food, and the ones that make me laugh are always not too far way. The conclusion is that I probably had a viral infection and it settled in my chest. Unfortunately, it settled in a way that caused some minor irritation near my heart. There's no quick fix but it is simple. So with enough time, rest, and consistent medicine, I'll heal. I've spent some days working from home (or friend's homes) to allow a little more fluid schedule and encourage the resting aspect.

TOP PICTURE: a flower after some rain on the office compound It seemed odd not to do any pictures so just the one. But if I had included pictures it might have been.... -pictures of coffee I'm drinking. There were two times this month when someone [very unexpectedly] made me some coffee. And apparently that's one way to make me smile among other things once the caffeine hits my veins. -pictures of the whiteboard in my office....I spent some time to clean it really well and haven't put information back on it yet. But some of my coworkers keep drawing or writing on it and that's way more exciting. -picture of gluten free tortillas that I found at a market here as well as pictures of the amazing creations I made with them -pictures of my friends pretending to read and analyze my results when I went to the doctor -pictures of the flowers growing on the balcony or the ones I bought for the table and never figured out what kind they are -pictures of my computer at home and friends homes as I worked in different places recently Click HERE and PRAY for the unreached of Africa!!! Prayer Requests:  improved, continued, and good health including a malaria-free July which I can't say about the last two years. pray for the short term program happening now in Uganda as 9 guys dive deep into cross cultural living and learning about missions pray for rest and encouragement for my friends that have had some stress filled days in recent weeks pray that I find joy in the small things like when a friend brought me a beautiful bunch of little bananas that were just such a perfect, happy, yellow (also another picture I could have included) pray for acceptance and thankfulness when my friends want to help and I just want to claim some independence again

NEWSLETTER: May 2017

31 May 2017: Working with more tasks

Continuing on and a little bit up.....

Well, generally speaking, it is "one of those months" where it doesn't seem like a lot happened. It's been a small whirlwind to be back in the swing of things for a month now. Some days I still feel like I'm training my brain to get the inner file system working again and ingrain names and dates for immediate recall. It sure does feel good to be back though. 

Even this week, I saw a boda driver that would often take me home last year. I enjoy each moment a Ugandan recognizes me. Seeing his or her face light up at the realization that an expat returned is a lovely moment. People can come and go easily but when someone returns, it really seems to be different. I remember having this same feeling with my short term trips. 

There is one thing that happened just this Monday. I was officially granted some more responsibility and tasks as well as a new title in my email. I'm not going to rattle on about why because that would seem strange. Instead I'll just offer a piece of the email that went out to those that serve in our region:

        "Effective immediately, Katherine Rowe will be taking on all of personnel as our Personnel Coordinator. Having helped in personnel for the last year and a half, we are confident in her abilities to manage it on her own." 


So there's that. It is just a little increase in tasks/responsibilities as well as a different email, but everything else stays the same.

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Left Picture: I felt so honored and privileged to be invited to AIM's leadership meetings earlier this month. This includes all upper level leadership with a few invitees. I was just a lucky opportunistic addendum invitee for the last two days. It was quite the pleasure to meet these leaders and share a few meals with them!!
Even during the breaks, there was always a few that were still thinking and planning. 

Right Picture: Just "paying it forward" back to you with a few snapshots of what I've had in OBK this month. The top picture has an adorable illustration of a character lassoing the sun and putting it in a mailbox. And that scripture reference is good any day! 
A little bit of sunshine from all around the world and a wonderful reminder in 1 Thess 5:16-18.

Top Picture: I couldn't recall if I've ever shared a picture of the office....so here it is. This is where I go for work.I hadn't realized how large that tree is on the right until I saw the comparison in this picture.

Please CLICK here and PRAY for the Unreached of Africa

Prayer Requests:

• patience with myself as I get settled and organized with a little bit more on my plate
• good, intentional time with friends so we all take a break from ministry
• wisdom in decision making and boldness when needed with my new responsibilities
• ability to rest and "check out" from work when needed

Tomorrow is a new day, new week & it will be better.

You know those days that you get to the end [or lunch or even by 9am] and all you want to do is hit the easy button that will allow for a do over??

I think you know what I mean. Nothing goes right. Every little thing that is slightly off just builds and builds. Or maybe it is one huge thing that destroys any ounce of positive in the day or week?


How have the first 7 days of May been for you?

fabulous?
mundane?
stressful?
sickly?
strange?
unique?
fun?
different?
typical?

Last week was definitely subpar for me.
Sunday brought on an unexpected, less than desired realization.
Monday wasn't near as productive as I hoped.
Tuesday put an abrupt end to planning some fun.
Wednesday was crushing news.
Thursday made me think more than I had energy to do.
Friday was full of cultural challenges.
Saturday was ok but just a little weird after the week.

According to facebook, I wasn't the only one that had a rough start to May.

I really wanted to play my selfish introvert card on Saturday. Actually I did a little bit. I wanted to declare a day for me to stay home and be lazy. Somehow I powered through.

I started a new book.
I spent some time on the balcony enjoying the fresh air.....
....even washed the dishes and did a little organizing.

I needed to be somewhere by 6pm. But first I needed a little bit of a re-start.

So I left in time to stop at a cafe place.
Got my book out and enjoyed some coffee and fruit. Even now I took a deep breath as if I was back in the moment yesterday afternoon. I just needed to put the week behind and declare a fresh start.

After my evening plans (which were great) I had a bonus couple of hours of conversation with a friend. It was one of those nights of pure, genuine, unplanned, meaningful late night conversations with a friend.

This morning brought a nostalgic feeling of comfort and familiarity.




This particular friend opens her doors to me often so as planned I slept at her place. In the morning I made my typical breakfast of banana pancakes. Fresh flowers were on the table from the market yesterday. Worship music was flowing through the air from the computer in the bedroom. There was excitement inside me for being back at the same church for the second Sunday in a row. (an event that had not yet happened this year).

As the day progressed, things took longer than expected, I felt behind on my internal schedule, and it caused great unrest in me that flowed out and was easily seen by others.

But at some point the ever faithful canine species reminded me that it is ok to slow down.




All he wanted was a little bit of attention. Just a moment of my time. A gentle touch and a leg to lean on while I was also apparently shading him from the late afternoon sun.

So my goals for today may not have been accomplished......well a few were.
I may be up a little early to get ready for tomorrow because some things won't get done tonight.
People are going to have to wait another day or two for an email response.
Some things just won't be dealt with today.

Even so...the sun will come up and it will be time to sing praises again.

Even when the small things fail...
the big things fall apart...
disappoint creeps around all the corners....

We can know that joy comes in the morning and HIS love never fails.

So whatever happened last week and whatever lies before us....

let's celebrate that joy is in the morning. 

I don't have a DeLorean so we can't go back to last week and do it again. So I'll have to be satisfied with some fun coffee, great conversation, a church family, and a friendly canine to reset things from the earthly point of view. 

Tomorrow is a new day and a new week. 

It will be better. 

I've just decided that. 

Thank you many times over.

Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.


Thank you for adjusting your schedules for me.
Thank you for letting me interrupt your usual routine.
Thank you for letting me sleep under your roof.
Thank you for giving me your wifi password.
Thank you for so much food.
Thank you being patient on the days when I didn't have enough brain power to make a decision (especially at the beginning and more so at the end).
Thank you for basing the menu on my cravings.
Thank you for listening to some of my stories.
Thank you for continuing with your life to give me the time and space to rest when I needed it.
Thank you for the ongoing prayers.
Thank you for the hugs.
Thank you for the laughs.
Thank you for the new memories.
Thank you for letting me pause and take pictures so I can easily revisit some moments.
Thank you for even more food.
Thank you for buying me coffee.
Thank you for taking me on new adventures (however small or usual it seemed to you).
Thank you for going the extra mile (or 90) so we could see each other.
Thank you for showing me parts of your life.
Thank you for the conversations.
Thank you for participating in OBK2.
Thank you for referring to my place in Uganda as home.

Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.

This list isn't sufficient. But it is a start.
Thank you so much, many times over.